U.S. patent application number 11/732937 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-25 for securing apparatus and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to DeWalch Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Edward JR. Stachowiak.
Application Number | 20070249219 11/732937 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38564149 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070249219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stachowiak; John Edward
JR. |
October 25, 2007 |
Securing apparatus and method
Abstract
When securing a watthour meter to a meter box base, a meter
sealing ring is typically used. A quick-fastening watthour meter
retaining member is provided, in certain embodiment of the present
invention, to reduce installation time and generally comprises a
circular band, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing
member. The connector housing member and a receiver housing member
are preferably mounted to the terminus ends of the circular band. A
portion of the connector housing member, comprising locking
protrusions or "teeth", is adapted to engage, with a ratchet-type
action, in one example embodiment, and fasten into the receiver
housing member, which contains, a pre-installed "padlock type"
frangible sealing device in an example embodiment. Removal of the
ring is accomplished by simply cutting, in one embodiment, and
removing the frangible sealing device and allowing the housings to
disengage from each other.
Inventors: |
Stachowiak; John Edward JR.;
(Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DEWALCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
6850 WYNNWOOD LANE
HOUSTON
TX
77008
US
|
Assignee: |
DeWalch Technologies, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38564149 |
Appl. No.: |
11/732937 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60789092 |
Apr 4, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/517 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6277 20130101;
G01R 11/24 20130101; F16B 2/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/517 |
International
Class: |
H01R 33/945 20060101
H01R033/945 |
Claims
1. A method for indicating tampering with a meter box, the method
comprising: uniting a connector housing member to a receiver
housing member comprising an engaging member; urging contact of the
connector housing member with the engaging member; and biasing the
engaging member to engage the connector housing member.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of creating a
tamper-evident seal.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of mounting
the connector housing member and receiver housing member on a
retaining member.
Description
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/789,092, filed Apr. 4, 2006.
[0003] The instant application claims priority to the
above-referenced application and all written material, figures, and
other disclosure in the above-referenced application is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a locking
apparatus, and more specifically, it relates to a locking apparatus
for securing at least one structure or a portion of a utility
service enclosure such as, for example, a watthour meter socket
ring to prevent the separation of two generally opposing members of
the watthour meter socket box ring.
[0005] Electrical service providers generally deliver electricity
to their customers via power lines buried underground or
distributed along poles or towers overhead. The provider's power
lines are usually distributed from a power generation station to
numerous sets of customer lines, so that customers can then use the
power to satisfy their various electrical needs. To measure
delivered power so that customers can be billed in proportion to
their usage, service providers typically terminate their power
lines at a customer's home or business facility through a metered
socket box, various designs for which are well known.
[0006] A meter box is generally used by electric utility companies,
however the invention herein may be used with other utility service
enclosures in the gas, water, cable, TV utility industries or in
other industries as well.
[0007] An example of one previously known meter box consists of two
sets of electrical posts, with a provider's transmission lines
being connected to one set of posts, and the customer's service
lines to the other set. In order to measure the amount of
electricity a customer uses, the meter box is configured to accept
a watt-hour meter or another electricity usage measurement device,
which, when plugged into the socket box, permits transmission of
electricity from the provider to the customer and allows the amount
of transmitted electricity to be accurately measured, so that the
provider can charge the customer for power usage at an appropriate
rate.
[0008] Various designs and uses for watthour meters are also well
known, and all such designs and uses are incorporated by reference
into the teachings of the present invention. The present invention
is also applicable in situations where the customer's service lines
are routed from the meter box to a breaker box so that electricity
can be distributed to multiple service locations using additional
sets of electrical lines or wires.
[0009] Presently, there are various types of meter socket boxes,
each distinguished by the manner in which the meter is secured in
place once it has been plugged into an electrical socket disposed
in the meter box. For example, a ringed-type meter box fitted with
a flanged front cover is known, within which a watthour meter is
disposed so that a head portion of the meter passes out through a
flanged opening in the front cover. In this configuration, the
meter is generally held in place using an annular, lockable sealing
ring.
[0010] In order to hold the meter in place and prevent its removal
from the meter box, both the meter and meter base incorporate a
corresponding set of flanges that are retained together with an
annular, lockable sealing ring. The lockable sealing ring is
designed to encase and captivate the corresponding flanges of the
meter and base simultaneously. There are various sealing rings on
the market that depend upon the security level that is desired. A
lower security ring that is currently on the market utilizes an
annular band, and two housing members that are installed on each
end of the ring. One of these housings, a screw receiving housing,
contains a receiving threaded portion. The other housing contains a
rotatable screw member. The ring is secured onto the meter and
socket flange by using a screwdriver to engage the screw in one
housing into the receiving threaded portion of the other housing.
Once engaged, the screw can be rotated clockwise, thus urging the
housings toward each other, reducing the diameter of the ring to
the desired position. Once the ring is secured to the meter and
base, a destructible "padlock type" frangible seal is passed
through corresponding slots located in the screw-receiving
receiving housing and the screw; this prevents unwanted rotation of
the rotatable screw member until the frangible portion of the
"padlock-type seal" is cut and removed from the two corresponding
slots in the screw-receiving housing and the screw. The screw can
now be disengaged from the screw receiving housing by turning it in
a counter-clockwise direction.
[0011] A variation of this design also incorporates a
screw-receiving housing and a screw member; however, a thumb
portion is located on the end of the screw to allow the installer
of the meter ring to install the ring by rotating the screw by hand
instead of using a screwdriver. Once fastened, a padlock-type
frangible sealing device is passed through both the screw member
and the screw-receiving housing. The frangible sealing device is
then locked to prevent unlawful disengagement of the two members.
This design is an improvement, although it is still a multiple step
process to install and secure the ring onto the meter and
socket.
[0012] In an attempt to overcome various shortcomings, there are
various types of locking devices. Some of these locking devices
are, for example, destructible locks that can be installed on
ring-type meter socket boxes. Several examples of types of patents
which disclose attempts to solve some of the above problems are set
forth as follows.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,161,838 to Ely, et al., entitled "Locking
Assembly," is directed to a locking assembly adapted for locking
first and second members together, the assembly including a housing
member and a stud member, the housing member being adapted to
receive the stud member and permanently lock the stud member in the
housing member, the assembly including a frangible portion, such
that a part of the assembly is adapted to be broken away from a
remainder of the assembly to permit removal of the assembly from
the first and second members. This reference is incorporated by
reference herein.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,074 to Mahaney, entitled "Destructible
Locking Device," sets forth a locking device for interlocking two
members having aligned openings extending therethrough. The device
includes a hollow cap and a pin with an enlarged head at one end
and a nose at the opposite end. The pin is insertable through the
aligned openings of the members, with its nose received in
interlocked engagement within the cap, and with the two members
captured between the cap and the enlarged head of the pin. A
frangible portion of the pin is severable in response to relative
rotation between its nose and enlarged head to thereby
destructively disassemble the locking device. This reference is
incorporated by reference herein.
[0015] There remains a need for a securing apparatus and method for
simply holding together or quickly securing at least one structure
or a plurality of structures, to lock a utility service enclosure,
such as for example, a meter box locking ring having, for example,
flanged ends or unflanged ends. There is a need for a simpler
device that is easy to use and that can be secured quickly so as to
reduce installation time and effort required of the operator or
installer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] An object of an example embodiment the present invention is
to secure a captivating ring around the flanges of a watthour meter
and watthour meter socket by using a simple, quick fastening
installation process.
[0017] To attain this, one example embodiment of the present
invention comprises a circular band comprising two opposing
flanges, a connector housing member, and a receiver housing member.
The circular band is preferably comprised of a circular shaped ring
with opposing generally parallel flanges. The connector housing
member is generally comprised of a means for attachment to the
circular band, an engaging portion, and teeth disposed on the
engaging portion. The receiver housing member is generally
comprised of a means for attachment to the circular band, two
opposed generally parallel walls, a seal retaining aperture, and a
tooth-engaging biasing member. The two housings are attached to the
terminus ends of the circular band. When used in conjunction with a
destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing device, which has
been previously installed through the seal retaining aperture, the
receiver housing is adapted to accept the engaging portion disposed
on the connector housing member. When the two housings are urged
together, the tooth engaging member disposed on the receiver
housing will, through a ratchet-type action, interlock with the
teeth disposed on the engaging portion of the connector housing,
thus enabling the two housings to lock together and, consequently,
secure the ends of the sealing band together.
[0018] To remove the ring from the watthour meter and socket, the
destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing device, in one
example embodiment, is cut and removed from the receiver housing,
allowing the connector housing to disengage from the receiver
housing, and the ring to be removed from the meter.
[0019] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the various
example embodiments and features of the invention in order that the
detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order
that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are additional features and variations of the invention that
will be described hereinafter.
[0020] In this respect, before going into a detailed description,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carved out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should
not be regarded as limiting.
[0021] A further object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to retain the ends of a watthour sealing band
together.
[0022] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a watthour meter sealing ring assembly that
can be easily installed onto the flanges of a watthour meter and
socket.
[0023] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a watthour meter sealing ring assembly that
can be quickly installed onto the flanges of a watthour meter and
socket.
[0024] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly that can be
installed onto a watthour meter and socket without the need for
special tools or keys.
[0025] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly that has a
destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing device previously
installed.
[0026] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly that can be
removed from the watthour meter with a simple tool.
[0027] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising
one or more locking teeth to lock or "snap" two housings
together.
[0028] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising a
compressible member to lock two housings together.
[0029] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising
one or more locking teeth to lock or "snap" the ends of the sealing
ring together.
[0030] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly comprising a
housing that utilizes a biasing tooth-engaging member.
[0031] Another object of an example embodiment the present
invention is to provide a meter sealing ring assembly including a
housing that utilizes protrusions, or teeth that engage directly
onto the frangible portion of a destructible sealing device.
[0032] Other objects and advantages of embodiments the present
invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that
these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0033] The content and disclosure of the following application is
specifically hereby incorporated by reference: U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/789,092, filed Apr. 4, 2006.
[0034] These and other objects, features, and advantages of
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the
drawings, the descriptions given herein, and the appended claims.
However, it will be understood that the above-listed objectives
and/or advantages of the invention are intended only as an aid in
quickly understanding aspects of the invention, are not intended to
limit the invention in any way, and therefore do not form a
comprehensive or restrictive list of objectives, and/or features,
and/or advantages. Accordingly the present invention provides a
locking apparatus for securing at least one structure or a portion
of utility service enclosure such as, for example, a watthour meter
socket ring to prevent the separation of two opposing members of
the watthour meter socket box ring, so as to address the needs as
described above.
[0035] The general purpose of embodiments the present invention,
which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to
secure at least one structure or a plurality of structures, to lock
a utility service enclosure, such as for example, a meter box
locking ring having flanged or unflanged ends.
[0036] In other embodiments of the invention, a retaining member or
ring may be included as an element for securing, for example, a
utility service enclosure and a meter.
[0037] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the various
example embodiments and features of the invention in order that the
detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order
that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are additional features and variations of the invention that
will be described hereinafter.
[0038] In this respect, before going into a detailed description,
it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carved out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should
not be regarded as limiting.
[0039] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the watthour meter securing ring
installed into a watthour meter and socket.
[0042] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the watthour meter securing ring.
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of an example
embodiment the present invention showing the watthour meter
securing ring assembly.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of an example embodiment
the present invention showing the connector housing member,
receiver housing member, and a destructible "padlock type"
frangible sealing device.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member, receiver
housing member, and a destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing
device. The connector housing member is disengaged from the
receiver housing member.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member, receiver
housing member, and a destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing
device. The connector housing member is engaged into the receiver
housing member.
[0047] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of an example embodiment
the present invention showing an alternate embodiment of the
receiver housing member.
[0048] FIG. 10 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the receiver housing member shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9. This drawing illustrated the movement of the
flexural locking member.
[0049] FIG. 11 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member, the
receiver housing member shown in FIG. 10, and a destructible
"padlock type" frangible sealing device. The connector housing
member is disengaged from the receiver housing member.
[0050] FIG. 12 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member, the
receiver housing member shown in FIG. 11, and a destructible
"padlock type" frangible sealing device. The connector housing
member is engaged into the receiver housing member.
[0051] FIG. 13 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member, an
alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member, and a
destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing device. The connector
housing member is disengaged from the receiver housing member.
[0052] FIG. 14 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member, the
receiver housing member shown in FIG. 13, and a destructible
"padlock type" frangible sealing device. The connector housing
member is engaged into the receiver housing member.
[0053] FIG. 15 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing an, alternate embodiment of the connector
housing member, an alternate embodiment of the receiver housing
member, and a destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing device.
The connector housing member is disengaged from the receiver
housing member.
[0054] FIG. 16 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member and receiver
housing member shown in FIG. 15, and a destructible "padlock type"
frangible sealing device. The connector housing member is engaged
into the receiver housing member.
[0055] FIG. 17 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing an alternate embodiment of the connector
housing member, an alternate embodiment of the receiver housing
member, and a destructible "padlock type" frangible sealing device.
The connector housing member is disengaged from the receiver
housing member.
[0056] FIG. 18 is a front cutaway view of an example embodiment the
present invention showing the connector housing member and the
receiver housing member shown in FIG. 17, and a destructible
"padlock type" frangible sealing device. The connector housing
member is engaged into the receiver housing member.
[0057] While the present invention will be described in connection
with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications,
and equivalents included within the spirit of the invention and as
defined in the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0058] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the attached figures illustrate an apparatus for securing a
plurality of structures or a portion of a utility service
enclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the apparatus is used
for securing a watthour meter socket ring so as to prevent the
separation of two opposing members of the watthour meter socket box
ring. The apparatus may be used for creating a tamper-evident seal
by securably connecting a plurality of structures. The apparatus
may also be used as a locking assembly with at least one structure
as will hereinafter be explained in further detail.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown, in one example
embodiment, a quick fastening ring assembly 3 comprising a
retaining band 13, a receiver housing member 4, a connector housing
member 5, and a sealing device, such as a destructible
"padlock-type" sealing device 7, shown in the following
embodiments, installed onto a watthour meter 2 and watthour meter
socket box 1.
[0060] The sealing device 7 as shown in the following embodiments,
comprises a frangible portion 8 (or urging member) and a housing
adapted to accept the frangible portion 8. This sealing device is
not limited to the construction or the configuration that is shown
in the following embodiments; for example, materials other than
those defined by a "frangible" may be used, such as plastic, or
other material. The sealing device may also comprise a single ring,
strap, a clip, etc., that performs a similar function.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 2, the retaining band 13, formed into a
generally circular configuration, comprises two generally parallel
captivating flanges 12, and one or more retaining apertures
46,47.
[0062] The connector housing member 5 and receiver housing member 6
is attached to the terminus ends of the retaining band 13 using a
rivet 6 or similar device.
[0063] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3-7, the receiver
housing 6 comprises an engaging member 11, two generally parallel
side flanges 20, a seal retaining aperture 18, a housing retaining
aperture 15, a retaining flange 14 and an installation bearing
surface 17.
[0064] The engaging member 11 generally comprises a flexible
biasing member, a securing portion 23, and a locking end 22. The
configuration of the engaging member 11 is not limited to this
embodiment; any shape, or material that performs a securing
function, as defined in the following embodiment, such as foam,
rubber, plastic, metal, etc. may be used. Any configuration that
enables the engaging member 11 to be held in place that performs a
similar function as described herein can be also be used. The
locking end 22 may be comprised of no multiple engagement surfaces,
one engagement surface, or multiple engagement surfaces or contact
points arranged in any geometrical configuration.
[0065] The connector housing member 5 comprises a housing retaining
aperture 15, a housing retaining flange 14, an installation bearing
surface 16, and an engaging portion 21.
[0066] The engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member is
not limited to the configuration that is shown and described in the
following embodiments. Variations of the shape, locking means, or
materials may be utilized. For example, the material may be rubber,
plastic, or compressible foam to perform a similar function as
described. The engaging portion may utilize no protrusions, one
protrusion, or multiple protrusions or "teeth" as shown in the
following embodiments.
[0067] The securing portion 23 of the engaging member 11 is
inserted and compressed into the space defined by the inside wall
portion 48 and the two opposing protrusions 24 of the receiver
housing member 4. The engaging member 11 may be rigidly, or loosely
held in place by other means such as welding, gluing, encasing,
etc. The receiver housing member 4 is installed to the securing
ring 13 by engaging the retaining flange 14 of the receiver housing
member 4 into the retaining aperture 46 disposed in the securing
ring 13. Other means for retaining the receiver housing 4 to the
ring 13 may be used such as welding, gluing, pressing, swaging,
etc. A rivet or other attaching device 6 is inserted and fastened
though aperture 15 and 47 of the receiver housing member 4 and the
securing ring 13, respectively. Once the receiver housing member 4
is installed onto the ring 13, engaging member 11 is completely
captivated by the upper surface of the opposing protrusions 24 and
the lower surface of the securing ring 13. The connector housing
member 5 is installed into the ring in a similar fashion as
described above for the receiver housing 4.
[0068] In the unlocked position, the connector housing member 5 is
separated from the receiver housing member 4. The frangible portion
8 (or urging member) of the destructible "padlock-type" sealing
device 7 is pre-installed through the seal retaining aperture 18
disposed in the two side flanges on the receiver housing member 4
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0069] As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16
and 17 of the connector 5 and receiver 4 housings, respectively,
the engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member 5 moves
into the space defined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing member 4. The lower bearing surface 19 of the engaging
portion 21 bears on the frangible portion 8 (or urging member) of
the sealing device 7. Due to the limited vertical space defined by
the and the receiver housing engaging member 11, the teeth 9 of the
connector housing engaging portion 21 displace and flex the
receiver housing engaging member 11 at the locking end 22. This
tooth 9 and engaging end 22 interaction resembles a ratchet-type
action as the engaging member 11 will continue to flex until the
locking end 22 locks into the next tooth 9 of the connector housing
engaging member 21. In the event that multiple teeth, or locking
positions are utilized as shown in the current embodiment, the
operator may continue to urge the housings 5,4 together until the
desired installation position of the housings 5, 4 is reached as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0070] Once the housings 4,5 are in the locked position, the
engaging member 11 is encased by the engaging portion 21 of the
connector housing 5, the side flanges 20 of the receiver housing 4
and the bearing surface 17 of the receiver housing 4. An attempt to
defeat or unlock the ring assembly 3 at this time without
destroying or fracturing one or more of the components is extremely
difficult.
[0071] In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the
connector housing member 5 from the receiver housing member 4, the
frangible portion 8 (or urging member) of the sealing device 7 is
cut between bearing surfaces 19 of the engaging portion 21 disposed
on connector housing member 5, shown in FIG. 5. This can be
performed, in some example embodiments, with a standard hand held
wire cutter. (Note that other embodiments may only require the
urging member be removed and not destroyed, or cut.) Once cut, the
cut ends of the frangible portion 8 can be pulled in opposing
directions and removed from the receiver housing 4. Without support
from the frangible portion 8, the installer can disengage the
locking end 22 disposed on the engaging member 11 from the teeth 9
disposed on the connector housing engaging portion 21, and the
housings 4, 5 can be separated.
[0072] An alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member is
shown in FIGS. 8-12. In this embodiment, the receiver housing 33
comprises two generally parallel side flanges 20, a seal retaining
aperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15, a retaining flange 14
an installation bearing surface 17, and a flexural engaging member
25.
[0073] The flexural engaging member 25 generally comprises a
flexible biasing member. The configuration of the engaging member
25 is not limited to this embodiment; any shape, or material that
performs a securing function, as defined in the following
embodiment, such as foam, rubber, plastic, metal, etc. may be used.
The locking end 22 may be comprised of either no engagement
surfaces, one engagement surface, or multiple engagement surfaces
(as shown in the following embodiment) or contact points arranged
in any geometrical configuration.
[0074] In the following embodiment, the flexural engaging member 25
comprises a base portion 26, one of more locking teeth 27. The
engaging member 25 is attached to the receiver housing member 33
only at the base portion 26. This allows the engaging member 25 to
flex and return to the original position if the receiver housing 33
is constructed from the correct material, typically plastic. A stop
portion 28 may be disposed on the engaging member 25 to insure that
over-rotation is not possible.
[0075] The connector housing 5 and the receiver housing 33
functions in a similar manner as described in the previous
embodiment.
[0076] As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16
and 17 of the connector 5 and receiver 33 housings, respectively,
the engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member 5 moves
into the space defined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing member 33. The lower bearing surface 19 of the engaging
portion 21 bears on the frangible portion 8 of the sealing device
7. Due to the limited vertical space defined by the frangible
portion 8 and the upper portion of the receiver housing 33, the
teeth 9 of the connector housing engaging portion 21 displace and
flex the receiver housing engaging member 25. This tooth 9 and
engaging member 25 interaction resembles a ratchet-type action as
the flexural engaging member 25 will continue to flex until the
locking teeth 27 lock into the next tooth 9 of the connector
housing engaging member 21. In the event that multiple teeth, or
locking positions are utilized as shown in the current embodiment,
the operator may continue to urge the housings 5,33 together until
the desired installation position of the housings 5, 33 is reached
as shown in FIG. 12.
[0077] Once the housings 5, 33 are in the locked position, the
flexural engaging member 25 is encased by the engaging portion 21
of the connector housing 5, the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing 33 and the bearing surface 17 of the receiver housing 33.
An attempt to defeat or unlock the ring assembly at this time
without destroying or fracturing one or more of the components is
extremely difficult.
[0078] In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the
connector housing member 5 from the receiver housing member 33, the
frangible portion 8 of the sealing device 7 is cut between bearing
surfaces 19 of the engaging portion 21 disposed on connector
housing member 5. This can be performed with a standard hand held
wire cutter. Once cut, the cut ends of the frangible portion 8 (or
urging member) can be pulled in opposing directions and removed
from the receiver housing 33. Without support from the frangible
portion 8, the installer can disengage the teeth 27 of the flexural
engaging member 25 from the teeth 9 disposed on the connector
housing engaging portion 21, and the housings 33, 5 can be
separated.
[0079] Another alternate embodiment of the receiver housing member
is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. In this embodiment, the receiver
housing 44 comprises two generally parallel side flanges 20, a seal
retaining aperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15, a retaining
flange 14 an installation bearing surface 17, a flexural engaging
member 25, and a flexural compression member.
[0080] The flexural engaging member 25 generally comprises a
flexible biasing member. The configuration of the engaging member
25 is not limited to this embodiment; any shape, or material that
performs a securing function, as defined in the following
embodiment, such as foam, rubber, plastic, metal, etc. may be used.
The locking end 22 may be comprised of either no engagement
surfaces, one engagement surface, or multiple engagement surfaces
(as shown in the following embodiment) or contact points arranged
in any geometrical configuration.
[0081] In the following embodiment, the flexural engaging member 25
comprises a base portion 26, one of more locking teeth 27. The
engaging member 25 is attached to the receiver housing member 33
only at the base portion 26. This allows the engaging member 25 to
flex and return to the original position if the receiver housing 44
is constructed from the correct material, typically plastic. A stop
portion 28 may be disposed on the engaging member 25 to insure that
over-rotation is not possible.
[0082] The flexural compression member 43 is attached to the side
walls 20 of the receiver housing 44 only at base portion 45. This
allows the member 43 to flex as shown in FIG. 13. The configuration
of the flexural compression member 43 is not limited to this
embodiment. Any shape, material, and location with respect to the
receiver housing 44 may be used.
[0083] As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16
and 17 of the connector 5 and receiver 44 housing, respectively,
the engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member 5 moves
into the space defined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing member 44. The lower bearing surface 19 of the engaging
portion 21 bears on the flexural compression member 43 of the
receiver housing member 44. Due to the limited vertical space
defined by the flexural compression member 43 and the flexural
engaging member 25 of the receiver housing 33, the teeth 9 of the
connector housing engaging portion 21 displace and flex the
receiver housing engaging member 25. This tooth 9 and engaging
member 25 interaction resembles a ratchet-type action as the
flexural engaging member 25 will continue to flex until the locking
teeth 27 lock into the next 9 of the connector housing engaging
member 21. In other potential embodiments not shown, the flexural
compression member 25 will flex, while engaging member 25 remains
rigid. In the event that multiple teeth, or locking positions are
utilized as shown in the current embodiment, the operator may
continue to urge the housings 5,33 together until the desired
installation position of the housings 5, 33 is reached as shown in
FIG. 14. Once this desired position is reached, the frangible
portion 8 (or urging member) of a padlock type frangible seal
device previously described can be inserted into the seal retaining
aperture 18 disposed on the receiver housing 44. This prevents the
flexural compression member 43 from moving in a downward direction
and releasing the connector housing 5 from the receiver housing
44.
[0084] Once the housings 5, 44 are in the locked position, the
flexural engaging member 25 is encased by the engaging portion 21
of the connector housing 5, the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing 44 and the bearing surface 17 of the receiver housing 33.
An attempt to defeat or unlock the ring assembly at this time
without destroying or fracturing one or more of the components is
extremely difficult.
[0085] In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the
connector housing member 5 from the receiver housing member 33, the
frangible portion 8, in one example embodiment, of the sealing
device 7 is cut. This can be performed with a standard hand held
wire cutter. Once cut, the cut ends of the frangible portion 8 can
be pulled in opposing directions and removed from the receiver
housing 44. Without support from the frangible portion 8, the
installer can flex the compression member 43 in a downward
direction. The teeth 27 of the flexural engaging member 25 can now
disengage from the teeth 9 disposed on the connector housing
engaging portion 21, and the housings 44, 5 can be separated.
[0086] Another example embodiment of the connector and receiver
housing member is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In this embodiment, the
receiver housing 32 comprises two generally parallel side flanges
20, a seal retaining aperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15,
a retaining flange 14, an installation bearing surface 17, and one
or more tooth engaging members 30.
[0087] The connector housing member 31 comprises a housing
retaining aperture 15, a housing retaining flange 14, an
installation bearing surface 16, an engaging portion 21 on which
one or more protrusions or "teeth" 9 are disposed, and a flexural
compression member 29.
[0088] In the unlocked position, the connector housing member 31 is
separated from the receiver housing member 32. The frangible
portion 8, in one embodiment, of the destructible "padlock-type"
sealing device 7 is pre-installed through the seal retaining
aperture 18 disposed in the two side flanges 20 on the receiver
housing member 32 as shown in FIG. 15.
[0089] As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16
and 17 of the connector 31 and receiver 32 housing, respectively,
the engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member 31 moves
into the space defined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing member 32. The flexural compression member 29 bears on the
frangible portion 8 (or urging member) of the padlock-type sealing
device 7 and due to the limited vertical space defined by the
frangible portion 8 (or urging member) and the tooth engaging
members 30, the tooth engaging members 30 move along and compress
against the tooth surface 50 disposed on the teeth 9. This tooth 9
and engaging member 30 interaction resembles a ratchet-type action
as flexural compression member 29 will continue to flex until
engaging member 21 lock into the next tooth 9 of the connector
housing engaging member 21. In other potential embodiments not
shown, the upper portion of connector engaging member 21 will flex
as the flexural compression member 29 remains rigid. In the event
that multiple teeth, or locking positions are utilized as shown in
the current embodiment, the operator may continue to urge the
housings 31,32 together until the desired installation position of
the housings 31,32 is reached as shown in FIG. 16.
[0090] In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the
connector housing member 31 from the receiver housing member 32,
the frangible portion 8 of the sealing device 7 is cut. This can be
performed with a standard hand held wire cutter. Once cut, the cut
ends of the frangible portion 8 can be pulled in opposing
directions and removed from the receiver housing 32. Without
support from the frangible portion 8, the flexural compression
member 29 will not bear on any surface. The teeth 9 of the
connector housing engaging member 21 can now disengage from the
tooth engaging members 30 disposed on the receiver housing member
32, and the housings 31,32 can be separated.
[0091] Another alternate embodiment of the connector and receiver
housing member is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. In this embodiment, the
receiver housing 36 comprises two generally parallel side flanges
20, a seal retaining aperture 18, a housing retaining aperture 15,
a retaining flange 14, an installation bearing surface 17, and a
connector engaging member bearing surface 38.
[0092] The connector housing member 35 comprises, a housing
retaining aperture 15, a housing retaining flange 14, an
installation bearing surface 16, and an engaging portion 21 on
which protrusions or "teeth" 9 are disposed.
[0093] In the unlocked position, the connector housing member 35 is
separated from the receiver housing member 36. The frangible
portion 8 (or urging member) of the destructible "padlock-type"
sealing device 7 is pre-installed through the seal retaining
aperture 18 disposed in the two side flanges 20 on the receiver
housing member 36 as shown in FIG. 17.
[0094] As force is applied to the installation bearing surfaces 16
and 17 of the connector 35 and receiver 36 housing, respectively,
the engaging portion 21 of the connector housing member 35 moves
into the space defined by the side flanges 20 of the receiver
housing member 36. Because the vertical space defined by frangible
portion 8 (or urging member) of sealing device 7 and bearing
surface 38 disposed on receiver housing member 36 is limiting, the
lower portion of connector housing engaging member 21 bears on
frangible portion 8 (or urging member) of padlock-type sealing
device 7, and, concurrently, the upper bearing surface 42 of
connector housing 35 bears against surface 38 disposed on receiver
housing member 36. As the housings 35,36 are urged closer together,
the frangible portion 8 bears with increasing compressive force
against the flexural portion 39 of the connector engaging member 21
causing the flexural portion 39 to deflect into the void 40 until
the tooth 37 disposed on the connector engaging portion 21 passes
over frangible portion 8. If the connector housing member 35 is
constructed with the proper material, such as a type of plastic,
the flexural portion 39 will return back toward its original
position and trap the frangible portion 8 into the tooth 37. In
other embodiments not shown, either the upper portion of the
connector engaging member 21, or the flexural portion 39 of the
connector housing 35, will flex and the resulting action will
resemble a ratcheting-type action. In the event that multiple
teeth, or locking positions are utilized as shown in the current
embodiment, the installer may continue to urge the housings 35,36
closer together until the desired installation position of the
housings 31,32 is reached as shown in FIG. 18.
[0095] In order to unlock the ring assembly 3 and disengage the
connector housing member 35 from the receiver housing member 36,
the frangible portion 8 of the sealing device 7 is cut. This can be
performed with a standard hand held wire cutter. Once cut, the cut
ends of the frangible portion 8 can be pulled in opposing
directions and removed from the receiver housing 32. The teeth 37
of the connector housing engaging member 21 can now disengage from
the frangible portion 8 of the padlock-type sealing device 7 and
the housings 35, 36 can be separated.
[0096] In another example embodiment a quick-fastening watthour
meter securing device is provided and includes a circular band
comprising two opposing flanges, a connector housing member, and a
receiver housing member. The two housings are attached to the
terminus ends of the circular band. The connector housing member
incorporates protrusions that resemble teeth or ribs. When used in
conjunction with a tamper-evident locking device, the protrusions
disposed on the connector housing are able to engage, resembling a
ratchet-type action, with the receiver housing member, constraining
the circular band to a desired diameter. When installed onto a
watthour meter and socket that is designed to accept a standard
meter locking ring, the quick-engaging meter ring retains the meter
to the socket. When it is desired to remove the watthour meter ring
from its socket, simply cutting the tamper-evident locking device
will allow the connector housing member to disengage from the
receiver housing member, allowing the user to remove the circular
band from the meter and socket.
[0097] Various other example embodiments provide an securing
apparatus that may be adapted for use on a utility service
enclosure. A connector and receiver housing could be configured
with mounting structure for various types of rings, flanged with
apertures or unflanged. Such an embodiment could be use to quickly
secure various structures. Additionally, a utility service
enclosure is used not only in the electric utility industry (e.g.,
a meter box) but also in the gas, water, cable, TV utility
industries or in other utility industries.
[0098] In another embodiment an apparatus is provided for creating
a seal. A securing apparatus is adapted to unite a plurality of
structures. As noted, in one embodiment, the ring may not be
included and the ends of, for example a meter ring having opposing
apertures may be secured. However, the securing apparatus could
also be configured to be used to secure a plurality of plates
having apertures, engageable protrusions, or other engageable
structural configurations such that the plates could be held
together with a securing apparatus of various configurations.
[0099] Turning again to another example embodiment, FIG. 1
illustrates a quick fastening ring assembly 3 or a fastening
device. Various structures which could be interchangeable with
other embodiments could also be referred to as, for example, a
retaining member 13 (rather than a retaining band 13), a receiver
housing 4 (rather than a receiver housing member 4), an engaging
member 11 preferably being biased, a connector 5 or fastening
member (rather than a connector housing member 5), a securing
member 7 (rather than a destructible "padlock-type" sealing device
7), an urging member 8 (rather than a frangible portion 8) with
these the fastening device adapted to be installed onto a watthour
meter 2 and watthour meter socket box 1. The receiver housing in
one embodiment comprises an engaging member. A biasing member, in
one embodiment is adapted for biasing the engaging member to engage
the connector to the receiver housing when being urged by the
urging member 8.
[0100] In another example embodiment a tamper-evident seal could be
used with the urging member to indicate if there has been tampering
with the meter box or meter.
[0101] In use, one example embodiment of a method is provided for
indicating tampering with a meter box 1. The method includes at
least uniting a connector 5 to a receiver housing 4 which
preferably comprises an engaging member 11 preferably including
biasing structure. The method further includes urging contact of
the connector 5 with the receiver housing 4 or engaging member 11,
in one example embodiment, by providing an urging member 8
selectively positioned so as to urge or cause the connector to
selectively make contact with the engaging member receiver housing
4 when the connector 5 is being inserted into the receiver housing
4; biasing the engaging member to engage the connector.
[0102] The method may also include, in some example embodiments,
creating a tamper-evident seal.
[0103] The method also includes, in one other example embodiment,
mounting the connector 5 and receiver housing 4 on a retaining
member 13.
[0104] The design described does not limit the scope of the
invention; the number of members, flanges or other structures may
change, or various components may be added or removed to the
above-described concept to aid in improved security and
operation.
[0105] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is
illustrative and explanatory of presently preferred embodiments of
the invention and variations thereof, and it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, that various changes in the design,
organization, order of operation, means of operation, equipment
structures and location, methodology, the use of mechanical
equivalents, such as different types of fasteners and locking
devices than as illustrated whereby different steps may be
utilized, as well as in the details of the illustrated construction
or combinations of features of the various elements may be made
without departing from the spirit of the invention. As well, the
drawings are intended to describe the concepts of the invention so
that the presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be
plainly disclosed to one of skill in the art but are not intended
to be manufacturing level drawings or renditions of final products
and may include simplified conceptual views as desired for easier
and quicker understanding or explanation of the invention. As well,
the relative size and arrangement of the components may be varied
from that shown and the invention still operate well within the
spirit of the invention as described hereinbefore and in the
appended claims. Thus, various changes and alternatives may be used
that are contained within the spirit of the invention.
[0106] Accordingly, as can be seen, the foregoing disclosure and
description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory
thereof, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
that various changes in the ordering of steps, ranges,
interferences, spacings, hardware, and/or attributes and
parameters, as well as in the details of the illustrations or
combinations of features of the methods and system discussed
herein, may be made without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
* * * * *